OWOP 2014 - Sign Up Now!

Thank you so much for your enthusiastic response to this year's OWOP, it's good to know I won't be doing the challenge all by myself (and believe me, that was definitely a concern!) The purpose of this here blog post is to outline all the details of OWOP and hopefully answer any questions you may have. It's also where you can SIGN UP for the challenge!! Woop whoop!

What is OWOP?

One Week, One Pattern! (or OWOP) is a group challenge where participants wear garments made from just one pattern of their choice, every day for a week.

When is it taking place?

From Saturday 6th to Friday 12th September 2014 

Do I have to use a particular pattern?

No! You can use any pattern you like, it's entirely up to you. It can be one of the 'Big Four' patterns, an Indie sewing pattern or a vintage pattern. You could also choose to work with a self drafted pattern, a pattern from a book or an online pattern or tutorial. Anything goes, as long as you've made it yourself.

How many different versions of the same pattern do I need?

Again, that's your choice. If you're particularly enamoured of a pattern and have made trillions of versions, you may be in a position to wear a different version every day. During the last OWOP, I had three versions of the same pattern and found this worked well. At a guess, I'd say between two and four versions will give you plenty of options. You may even just have one version that you'd like to style in lots of different ways. Remember, the fewer versions you have, the greater the challenge!

Do I need to sew new garments especially for OWOP?

Nope! If you're using a well loved pattern, the assumption is that you already have at least one or two versions in your wardrobe. It's perfectly acceptable to wear garments that you've already created for OWOP and that's exactly what I'll be doing. BUT..... you may have been meaning to sew another version of your favourite pattern for ages and this could be just the kick up the arse you need to do it! Perhaps you've wondered what it would look like in a different fabric or colour? With a longer or shorter hem? With pockets or added ric-rac? Well now's your chance to experiment, which is why the challenge has a reasonably long lead-time before it starts.

How do I sign up?

The format for signing up for the project will be exactly the same as last time:

Please leave a comment on this post confirming your chosen pattern in the following format:

Pattern company + pattern name + garment type

(eg. Colette Sorbetto top OR Simplicity 2444 dress OR Delphine skirt from Love at First Stitch).

EDIT: If you're still undecided on the pattern, don't worry - just sign up initially, then leave another comment naming your pattern once you've decided.

Then starting on Saturday 6th September, wear things you've made from your chosen pattern for seven consecutive days. Take a photo each day to show how you've restyled it/them (see my Ginger Skirt week from 2012 for reference)

At the end of the week I'll ask for links to your photos if you care to share so I can create a round-up post of participants. Please keep all seven photos on one web page. If you leave a link to your photos or blog, I'll assume this means you consent to me borrowing a photo or two for the round-up post - or if you'd rather I didn't, just say so when you leave a link. You may also want to share your reflections on the process.

Do I have to have a blog to join in?

No you don't! This is a great project for non-bloggers to join in with. How about uploading your photos onto Instagram, or a Pinterest board or Flickr set and sharing the link? It would be great if you could use the hashtag #OWOP14 when posting photos on Twitter or Instagram, then you can search for other OWOP participants too! If you don't like posing for photos, you don't have to be in them yourself, you can always arrange the outfits on a dress form or a hanger.  

Having said that, one reader has used OWOP as the impetus to start her own brand new blog - Lady Jane Makes - which is fabulous!

Will there be impressive graphs and pie charts like last time?!

I'm afraid you won't be seeing impressive graphs and pie charts this year. But you'll be delighted to hear that sub-standard graphs and pie charts will be making an appearance! I can never hope to out-geek Tilly's stats from last time, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to know all the ins and outs of this year's pattern choices.

Is there an OWOP picture or button I can use on my blog?

As you know, I'm not the smartest cookie when it comes to anything technical (see above), but I've done my best! Here are a couple of pictures  (don't laugh) which you can use on your blog if you so wish, to show the world you're participating in OWOP.

Small OWOP

Large OWOP

You can also add this link to the picture which will direct readers back to this post:

http://www.handmadejane.co.uk/2014/07/owop-2014-sign-up-now_8.html

Anything else I should know?

I have a couple of guest posts lined up from other sewing bloggers reflecting on their own personal style, which I'm really looking forward to reading. I'm also putting together an awesome giveaway package (or two!) for OWOP participants. I'll keep you posted!

If you have any other questions about OWOP, please let me know in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them. Right, over to you now to SIGN UP! Hoorah!! x